Affiliate marketing
What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a partnership in which a brand pays a commission to a partner (an affiliate) for each sale, lead or sign-up that comes through the affiliate’s tracked link or code. Affiliates include creators, bloggers, review sites and newsletters.
Because payment depends on results, affiliate programmes are low-risk for brands. The trade-off is that good affiliates choose programmes with strong commissions, products that convert and reliable tracking.
Why affiliate marketing matters
It aligns the partner’s incentive with sales and scales without upfront fees. Many creators prefer a mix: a small fixed fee for the work plus a commission on results.
How to start an affiliate programme
- Set a commission your margins can sustain.
- Use tracking software or your shop’s affiliate feature to issue links and codes.
- Invite creators and sites your customers already follow.
- Give affiliates assets and clear rules, including disclosure.
- Pay on time and share results so good partners keep promoting.
Affiliate marketing FAQ
What is the difference between affiliate and influencer marketing?
Influencer marketing usually pays for content and reach up front; affiliate marketing pays a commission only when a tracked sale happens. Many deals mix both.
Related marketing terms
An affiliate link is a tracked URL given to a partner, so sales or sign-ups that come through it can be credited and paid as commission.
A promo code is a discount code customers enter at checkout. Unique codes per creator also show which creator drove each sale.
A brand ambassador is a creator, customer or employee who represents a brand over time, usually with ongoing perks, pay or commission.
Referral marketing rewards existing customers for bringing in new ones, for example with credits or discounts for both sides.
FTC disclosureWhite hat
FTC disclosure is the US rule that creators must clearly say when they have a paid or material connection with a brand they promote.